The IRS uses new and social media tools to share the latest information on tax changes, initiatives, products and services.

Free Tax Help Available NationwideIR-2011-13, Jan. 28, 2011 — Over 12,000 free tax preparation sites will be open nationwide this year providing vital tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income and elderly taxpayers.

IRS Technical Guidance

Notice 2011-12 provides that, for wages paid after December 31, 2010, the procedure employers use to determine income tax withholding on wages paid for services performed by nonresident alien employees within the United States are different than the procedures used in 2010. The new procedures are explained in Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide, for use in 2011 and Notice 1036, Early Release Copies of the 2011 Percentage Method Tables for Income Tax Withholding.

Notice 2011-11 provides relief by allowing tax return preparers who have made a good faith effort to obtain a PTIN to prepare tax returns for compensation even though they have not received a PTIN.

The U.S. Supreme Court in Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research et al. v. U.S., has affirmed Regulations that require hospitals to pay FICA taxes on their medical residents if they work at least 40 hours per week, resolving a long-standing issue between the IRS and teaching hospitals.

IRS Issues Fact Sheets to Help Taxpayers in 2011 - To kick of the tax filing season, the IRS has issued fact sheets to provide information on the many topics.